Is becoming a choreographer right for me?
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How to become a Choreographer
Becoming a choreographer typically involves a combination of training, experience, and artistic vision. Here are some steps you can take to become a choreographer:
- Get formal training: While it is possible to become a choreographer without formal training, many professionals in the field have a background in dance or choreography. Consider pursuing a degree in dance or a related field, or attending a dance school or conservatory to develop your skills and technique.
- Gain experience as a performer: Before becoming a choreographer, it can be helpful to gain experience as a performer. This will give you a deeper understanding of the nuances of dance, as well as the needs and abilities of dancers.
- Build your choreography portfolio: As you develop your skills as a choreographer, it is important to build a portfolio of your work. This can include videos of performances, photographs of dance sequences, and written descriptions of your creative process and vision.
- Seek out opportunities to choreograph: Look for opportunities to create choreography, whether through local dance companies, school productions, or independent projects. This will allow you to gain experience and build your reputation as a choreographer.
- Network with other professionals in the field: Building connections with other dancers, choreographers, and professionals in the field can help you to find new opportunities and gain exposure for your work.
- Keep learning and growing: Choreography is an evolving field, and it is important to continue learning and growing as an artist. Attend workshops and masterclasses, read books and articles on choreography, and seek out feedback and critique from other professionals in the field.
Continuing Education
Here are some examples of continuing education options for choreographers:
- Dance Workshops and Masterclasses: Many dance schools and organizations offer workshops and masterclasses in various dance styles and techniques. For example, the American Dance Festival offers a summer dance workshop that includes classes in contemporary dance, ballet, and other styles.
- Choreography Conferences and Festivals: Choreographers can attend conferences and festivals to learn about new trends and techniques in the field, network with other professionals, and gain exposure to new choreography and performance styles. The Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival is one example of a festival that brings together choreographers, dancers, and audiences from around the world.
- Online Courses: There are a variety of online courses and programs available for choreographers, including courses in dance technique, choreography, and production. For example, the Online Dance Company offers a range of courses in contemporary dance, choreography, and creative production.
- Mentorship Programs: Choreographers can benefit from mentorship programs, such as those offered by the National Choreographers Initiative, which pairs emerging choreographers with experienced mentors in the field.
- Continued Performance: Choreographers can continue to perform or dance to keep their skills sharp and stay connected to the experience of performing. For example, choreographer Crystal Pite continues to perform with her dance company, Kidd Pivot, in addition to creating new works.
- Graduate Programs: Choreographers can also pursue graduate programs in dance, choreography, or related fields to continue developing their skills and artistic vision. Examples of such programs include the Master of Fine Arts in Choreography at the University of California, Los Angeles and the Master of Arts in Dance at New York University.